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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The latest age-band figures found are Fidelity’s Q2 2026 data, measured as of March 31, 2026. Average balances range from $7,700 for ages 20–24 to $264,500 for participants age 70 and older. These are provider-specific account averages—not a national standard or a personal retirement-readiness test.
Fidelity average 401(k) balance by age
Fidelity’s table covers 26,800 corporate defined-contribution plans and 25.6 million participants. It includes the advisor-sold market, but excludes the tax-exempt market, nonqualified defined-contribution plans and Fidelity’s own employee plans. The figures are account averages from that defined population, not a census of every U.S. worker or all retirement assets. Fidelity methodology and age table
| Age | Average 401(k) balance |
|---|---|
| 20–24 | $7,700 |
| 25–29 | $26,600 |
| 30–34 | $51,700 |
| 35–39 | $81,600 |
| 40–44 | $120,100 |
| 45–49 | $163,200 |
| 50–54 | $215,700 |
| 55–59 | $260,800 |
| 60–64 | $257,400 |
| 65–69 | $258,800 |
| 70+ | $264,500 |
The small decline from ages 55–59 to 60–64 does not imply that every participant’s account fell; market returns, withdrawals, contributions and the mix of people in each band all affect an average.
Vanguard average and median balances
Vanguard’s How America Saves 2025 uses year-end 2024 data from nearly 5 million participants in its defined-contribution business. Because Vanguard reports both measures, its median helps show what a middle participant had, while the average is pulled upward by very large accounts. Vanguard age table and methodology
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| Age | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | $7,351 | $2,816 |
| 25–34 | $37,557 | $14,933 |
| 35–44 | $91,281 | $35,537 |
| 45–54 | $168,646 | $60,763 |
| 55–64 | $244,750 | $87,571 |
| 65+ | $272,588 | $88,488 |
Vanguard’s overall figures were a $148,153 average and a $38,176 median. The average exceeds the median in every age band, so comparing your account only with an average can make a typical saver appear behind.
Why the numbers are not interchangeable
- Different dates: Fidelity’s age table is as of March 31, 2026; Vanguard’s table uses year-end 2024 observations.
- Different populations: Each provider analyzes its own defined-contribution plan participants and exclusions.
- Different age bands: Fidelity uses mostly five-year bands, while Vanguard uses broader ranges.
- Different statistics: Fidelity’s listed age figures are averages; Vanguard supplies both averages and medians.
Use one series consistently when tracking change. Do not combine a Fidelity age band with a Vanguard band as if they were a matched national benchmark.
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Does your balance mean you are on track?
Age alone cannot answer that. A useful comparison also includes your income, years contributing, contribution rate, employer contributions, expected retirement age, spending plans and savings outside the 401(k). A person with a smaller 401(k) may have substantial IRA, brokerage, real-estate, cash, certificate-of-deposit or health-savings-account assets; a larger balance may still be insufficient for an early retirement or high spending.
Use a personal progress checklist
- Record your current 401(k) balance and whether the account is traditional, Roth or both.
- Calculate your total annual contribution, including the employer match.
- Compare that percentage with your pay and with the number of years until retirement.
- List other retirement and non-retirement assets and any debts that will affect future spending.
- Estimate the retirement age and annual expenses your savings must support.
- Review the plan’s investment mix, fees, vesting rules and beneficiary designation.
Provider savings guidelines
Fidelity describes a general target of saving 15% of annual income, including employer contributions and other retirement accounts. Vanguard gives a broad 12%–15% guideline, also including employer contributions. These are rules of thumb, not individualized advice; a later retirement date, pension, unusually high expenses or a different savings horizon can change the appropriate rate. Fidelity guidance and Vanguard guidance
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What recent market data adds
Fidelity’s Q1 2026 analysis reported a $141,000 average 401(k) balance, down 4% from Q4 2025 but up 11% from Q1 2025. It also reported a 14.4% combined 401(k) savings rate. That quarterly aggregate is a separate, newer population cut from Fidelity’s age table, so it should not be treated as an age-specific benchmark. Balances can move with markets, contributions and withdrawals. Fidelity Q1 2026 analysis
Quick Recap
How to use an age benchmark responsibly
- Choose a table whose provider, date and age range resemble your situation.
- Check whether it reports an average, median or both.
- Compare your savings rate and years remaining—not just the dollar balance.
- Add every account and expected income source that can fund retirement.
- Adjust contributions and investment choices to your plan, risk tolerance and timeline.
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